Gerodontology · 2026
Romanticising the Last Tooth: Symbolism and Strategy in Prosthodontics.
СтатьяОбзорНазвание и аннотация: Перевод пока не подготовлен
Обработка статьи · этапы, ошибки и управление
Загрузка состояния…
Ошибки и ограничения
История · было → стало
Состояние обновляется каждые 5 секунд, пока блок открыт. Процент показывается только там, где известен объём работы. Пауза останавливает продолжение этапа; текущий запрос к источнику может завершиться.
Wimalarathna Aruna
Аннотация
BACKGROUND: The final remaining tooth in an otherwise edentulous mouth embodies a unique intersection of biology, psychology, and identity. Beyond its limited functional role, it serves as a powerful symbol of continuity and selfhood, making its extraction an emotionally charged event for many patients.
OBJECTIVE: This narrative review explores the concept of 'Romanticising the Last Tooth', emphasising its psychosocial and clinical significance within geriatric and prosthodontic practice.
METHODS: The discussion integrates evidence on emotional attachment, bone preservation, proprioception, and overdenture strategies to illustrate how the final tooth can influence both treatment planning and patient adaptation.
RESULTS: Ethical dilemmas surrounding tooth retention and patient autonomy are examined, highlighting the need for empathy driven, shared decision making to guide clinicians. Recent literature emphasises advances in implant-supported rehabilitation, digital workflows, and biomaterials in full-arch prosthetic management, which can influence decisions regarding the last tooth.
CONCLUSIONS: The R.O.M.A.N.T.I.C. framework (Retain Or Move Ahead: Navigating the Tooth In Context) is introduced, offering structured parameters for deciding whether to preserve or extract the last tooth. This approach underscores a broader vision of prosthodontics one that harmonises technical precision with human understanding to restore not only function but dignity and confidence in the ageing patient.
OBJECTIVE: This narrative review explores the concept of 'Romanticising the Last Tooth', emphasising its psychosocial and clinical significance within geriatric and prosthodontic practice.
METHODS: The discussion integrates evidence on emotional attachment, bone preservation, proprioception, and overdenture strategies to illustrate how the final tooth can influence both treatment planning and patient adaptation.
RESULTS: Ethical dilemmas surrounding tooth retention and patient autonomy are examined, highlighting the need for empathy driven, shared decision making to guide clinicians. Recent literature emphasises advances in implant-supported rehabilitation, digital workflows, and biomaterials in full-arch prosthetic management, which can influence decisions regarding the last tooth.
CONCLUSIONS: The R.O.M.A.N.T.I.C. framework (Retain Or Move Ahead: Navigating the Tooth In Context) is introduced, offering structured parameters for deciding whether to preserve or extract the last tooth. This approach underscores a broader vision of prosthodontics one that harmonises technical precision with human understanding to restore not only function but dignity and confidence in the ageing patient.